A Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center is on paid leave while detectives investigate a fistfight with an inmate that was caught on camera.

On Feb. 2, inmate Mark Palacios was arrested and charged with battery on a peace officer. But the incident is under investigation after video surveillance shows corrections officer Elijah Chavez repeatedly punching, slapping and pushing Palacios.

According to the criminal complaint, Chavez told deputies Palacios ignored his orders to get back to his cell. Chavez said when he got up from his desk and walked towards Palacios, the inmate became verbally aggressive and turned in an aggressive manner.

Chavez pepper-sprayed Palacious but said the inmate grabbed his legs when he was on the ground. The sweeping security camera recorded Chavez hitting the inmate with a closed fist. Chavez said he feared for his safety.

Seconds later, the camera focuses in on the fight and Chavez is seen punching Palacios while he's on the ground with his hands over his head.

In the report, Chavez said Palacios came at him with his fists balled up and they both exchanged strikes. But the footage shows Palacios moving away from Chavez who follows him and pushes him head-first into the wall.

Right now, Chavez is on paid leave and no charges against him have been filed. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is investigating.